We all have different attitudes toward money that shape how we spend it and what we spend it on. For instance, some people take the approach that we only live once so we should spend money to be as comfortable as possible and have as much fun as we can. Others are committed to living frugally and spend as little money as possible for living, trying to save as much as they can. … [Read more...]
How Much Is Your Job Costing You?
When we evaluate our work we usually look at how it suits our skill-set, whether the schedule fits our needs, and if the salary is fair. We may not consider how much a job is costing us. I’m not talking about the intangible aspects of a job like health or commuting time. Sticking strictly with dollars and cents, every job has a cost. Weighing the costs against the benefits can … [Read more...]
Mapping Your Money to Fight Debt and Find Peace
Of all the things that steal my peace, money is pretty high on the list. In fact, trying to figure out how to pay for stuff takes up more of my mental space than I would like to admit. One of the biggest problems in managing finances is debt. It is so easy to get into and so difficult to get out of. Debt is probably responsible for more sleepless nights, broken marriages, and … [Read more...]
Planning for Where You Want To Be
Are we there yet? It’s the annoying question my children often ask from the backseat on a road trip to visit family. In my better moments I distract and entertain them with stories and games and if I’m lucky a nice long nap. In my lesser moments I retort, “Does it look like we have arrived?” Trapped in a car for hours has a way of putting us all on edge and make us impatient to … [Read more...]
Top 25 Ideas for Free Family Fun
In my efforts to manage work and life, spending quality time with my family is important. Of course, sitting around staring at each other isn’t the type of family time I’m looking for. Meaningful family time to me is interactive, memorable, and fun. While I spend time with my family all week long, we try to plan at least one special event weekly for quality family fun … [Read more...]
What is Your Money Saying about You?
The way we use our money tells a story about us. It tells others what we like and what we think is important. Just ask a personal banker about how different people use their money. The stories money tells are captivating. So what is your money saying about you? When we pay our bills or spend our money, we may not see the messages right away. In many ways, the story of our … [Read more...]
What does your money puzzle look like?
We each have a money puzzle. It is that riddle we often call a budget. The place where available financial resources are fit together with needs and wants, goals and dreams. For many, budget has become a bad word because it signifies worry and stress, marital conflict, and failure. Personally, I’m not too fond of the black and white, plus or minus world of budget-making, but I … [Read more...]
